Advent is here once more and as we all gear up to prepare for the Lord's coming at Christmas, let us remember to give topmost importance to our interior and spiritual preparations over all the external ones.We get so caught up at times with our long lists of things to be completed before Christmas that we actually forget the reason for this special season.First of all, we should seek out the Sacrament of Reconcilation so that we are ready to welcome the Lord with the same purity with which He was born and also to keep our souls shining to pay Homage to Him in the manger.

I was reading a very heartfelt story on how the Lord Jesus decides to quietly attend a Christmas party where He being the actual Birthday Boy was not invited to.His heart is saddened on seeing everyone frolicking around in fun and gaiety having a celebration without the main theme, exchanging gifts but with no gift to offer Him on his birthday. Still worst, they all hurry and scurry to welcome Santa and fall all over him to give him prime importance, thus forgetting Christ completely.Jesus then walks away from this party with a heavy heart. He decides to hold the grandest party ever seen in Heaven where only His chosen ones would be invited. These include the ones who know the real meaning of Christmas and how to adore and worship God who came to earth on this day to live amongst us and to die for us.

As we prepare ourselves during this season, let us remember that the Advent season is divided into two parts. The first three weeks we dewll on the Second Coming of Christ and the fourth week leading to Christmas we dwell on the historic birth of Jesus more than two thousand years ago.

There is a significance for each week of Advent. The first week of Hope reminds us that Jesus is coming. The second week of Faith reminds us of the joy at the coming of Jesus. The thirdweek of Joy reminds us to prepare for the way of the Lord. The fourth week of Peace reminds us to give Glory to God in the highest heavens and on earth peace for those he favors.

Truly, Jesus gave us the best gift ever that anyone can offer in this Universe. He takes care of us every second of our life. Psalms 121 is a beautiful Psalm on how God never shifts his sight from us. He is always awake with His eyes on us. There is deep comfort in reading these words; (3,4-8)"He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

How do we return his constant watch and guard over us? The least that we can do is bow our hearts in gratitude and love him with a superlative love, never forget His presence and celebrate His birthday with Him only in mind, wish Him from our hearts with an exceedingly high joy and offer Him the gift of our unending love to Him.